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Hordenine: Substance Profile, Properties, Molecular Structure, and Practical Information

What is Hordenine?

Hordenine stands out as a naturally occurring alkaloid found in a variety of plants, most notably barley (Hordeum vulgare), which provides its name. Chemically speaking, Hordenine holds the molecular formula C10H15NO and a molar mass of 165.23 g/mol, identifying it as 4-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)phenol. In its pure form, Hordenine usually appears as a white to off-white crystalline solid, sometimes observed as a fine powder or small flakes, dependent on the handling, synthesis pathway, and degree of purification process. Handling Hordenine involves the sort of attention necessary for any synthetic or extracted powder, since its lightweight crystals can float or disperse easily in the air, demanding neat handling practices.

Chemical Structure and Physical Description

The structure of Hordenine features a phenolic ring connected to a dimethylaminoethyl side chain, and it shares some characteristics with other phenethylamines. Hordenine’s solid, crystalline state reveals itself clearly under moderate humidity and temperature. Melting point sits near 114-116 °C, and at room temperature you won't see it forming a true liquid unless specifically dissolved. Density hovers around 1.10 g/cm3. Some batches may present as slightly pearlescent or as a snow-white powder, relying on particle size and refinement. In dry air and a dust-free lab, Hordenine’s small flakes act like many other organic bases with an ability to absorb surrounding moisture, which calls for airtight storage. This chemical does not float off into vapor at standard conditions, nor does it have a significant odor or irritating smell, which adds to lab safety but lowers the warning signs on accidental dispersal.

Specifications, Solution Behavior, and Formulations

Looking deeper, Hordenine usually enters the market in technical or analytical purity levels. Commercial lots sometimes tout 97% or higher assay by HPLC, with trace moisture content kept below 0.5%. Suppliers ship it as a dry solid, mostly powder or small crystals, and bulk transportation typically uses sealed polyethylene liners within fiber or steel drums. In liquid applications, Hordenine dissolves in ethanol, methanol, and slightly in water; a liter of water heated gently will assist dissolution, but at ambient temperature, expect only limited solubility. Alcohol-based solutions become more common in lab use and industrial applications, especially with concentrations below 10%, where the phenol group interacts favorably with polar solvents. Stability in solution depends on pH and light exposure — best out of direct sunlight and away from strong acids or alkalis, preserving the pure molecular form.

Material Safety, Hazards, and Raw Material Nature

No chemical comes free of risks, and Hordenine carries specific warnings. Although not strongly toxic by oral or dermal exposure, concentrated dust or dissolved material may irritate eyes, skin, or mucous membranes if handled carelessly. Dust masks, gloves, and protective glasses lessen exposure during weighing or mixing. Regulatory classification typically describes Hordenine as “not hazardous” under standard GHS labeling for laboratory quantities, provided safe practices take precedence. That said, any material derived from phenolic precursors can prove sensitive to oxidation and environmental factors, so strict inventory control and cool storage extends shelf life and reduces accident risks.

HS Code and International Trade Identification

International trade of Hordenine involves identifying it by the Harmonized System (HS) Code, typically 2933.99.80, falling under “heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atom(s) only.” Importers and exporters must match paperwork and sample identity, as customs agencies track raw material inside this group for pharmaceutical, supplement, and feed additive markets. Falsifying description draws legal scrutiny or shipment rejection, so accuracy matters. The raw material designation also affects tariffs, excise, and end-user declarations in certain countries where chemical handling laws remain strict.

Applications, Handling, and Broader Raw Material Context

In industry, Hordenine shows up as a synthetic intermediate or component in specialty formulations. Many industries value its presence for modest energizing or preserving actions, and historical roots in fermentation chemistry explain why barley and cereal grains still carry healthy export markets driven partly by the extraction of useful alkaloids like Hordenine. Quality assurance on every lot starts with detailed documentation about density, purity, and contaminant profile. Practically, those who source or use Hordenine pay close attention to storage — glass containers with tight-sealing lids, away from direct light, humidity, and incompatible substances.

Molecular Insight and Responsible Use

Chemically, Hordenine serves as an example of how molecular structure impacts both use and risk. The presence of the phenol group suggests mild redox activity and the secondary amine makes this compound capable of participating in biological pathways. Not recognized as a major occupational hazard, the chemical still deserves respect because repeated dust exposure may cause respiratory or allergic response. Companies aligning with responsible handling treat Hordenine no differently than other solid organic chemicals: training, clear labeling, and safety gear. From a regulatory perspective, raw material shipments require strict adherence to accurate product naming, molecular property reporting, and traceability for health and safety tracking.